Long-Term Melatonin Use Linked to Increased Cardiovascular Risks, Study Finds
New study links prolonged melatonin use with higher heart failure and mortality risks, urging caution and further research.
- • Long-term melatonin use linked to nearly double the heart failure diagnosis rate.
- • Melatonin users had 3.5 times higher hospitalization rates for heart failure.
- • Mortality risk among melatonin users was almost twice that of non-users.
- • Study highlights need for caution and further research on melatonin's cardiovascular safety.
Key details
Recent research has raised concerns about the safety of long-term melatonin use, a common over-the-counter supplement for sleep disorders. A study analyzing medical records of over 130,000 adults with insomnia over five years found that those who used melatonin regularly for at least a year had significantly higher risks of serious heart conditions. The melatonin users were nearly 90% more likely to be diagnosed with heart failure compared to non-users (4.6% versus 2.7%). Moreover, they were 3.5 times more likely to be hospitalized for heart failure (approximately 19% compared to 6.6%) and had nearly double the risk of death from any cause during the study period (7.8% versus 4.3%).
The study, presented at the American Heart Association's 2025 Scientific Sessions and led by Dr. Ekenedilichukwu Nnadi from SUNY Downstate, highlights that although melatonin is often perceived as a harmless sleep aid, its prolonged use might not be as safe as believed. Experts, including Dr. Nishant Shah, caution that these findings do not establish a direct causal relationship but suggest the possibility that regular melatonin use could signal underlying cardiovascular problems.
Notably, melatonin supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and there is a growing prevalence of use, with surveys indicating that around 27% of American adults take melatonin. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nearly 7 million Americans suffer from heart failure, underscoring the significance of these findings. The study excluded patients with pre-existing heart conditions and acknowledged limitations such as potential biases in patient records.
Researchers emphasize the need for further investigation into the cardiovascular safety of melatonin, especially for long-term users. Meanwhile, health professionals advise individuals taking melatonin for extended periods, particularly those with chronic insomnia, to consult their doctors to evaluate potential health risks and ensure safe use.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.